Creative Crossroads

Catherine Dutton & Ellyn Zinsmeister
  • 5.0 (9)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to Creative Crossroads, where creators share their stories and processes. Each episode features conversations with artists, designers, and makers about their work, inspiration, and creative journey. Join us to explore how ideas come to life and learn from creators who are shaping their fields. Creative Crossroads: Where makers meet, and ideas grow.

  1. 11/06/2025

    Music, Quilts & Synesthesia with Chris Davies

    Share your thoughts & suggestions! In this episode of Creative Crossroads, hosts Ellyn and Catherine welcome their friend Chris Davies, a talented quilter and musician. Chris shares her journey from music to quilting, discussing her creative process, the impact of synesthesia on her art, and her inspirations. The conversation delves into how Chris transitioned from music to visual arts, her love for improvisation in quilting, and her thoughts on embracing the creative process without fear of failure. Listeners will find insights into Chris's unique approach to both quilting and music, as well as her philosophy on creativity and learning from both successes and failures. Find Chris on Instagram 00:00 Welcome to Creative Crossroads 00:17 Meet Our Guest: Chris Davies 01:01 Chris's Journey into Creativity 01:31 The Influence of Music on Creativity 02:33 Project Runway Inspiration 04:57 Exploring Synesthesia 07:43 Creative Challenges and Collaborations 11:50 Finding Inspiration and Starting Projects 16:55 Navigating Creative Blocks 19:09 Reflecting on a Creative Childhood 20:34 Starting with Improv Quilting 22:19 Confidence in the Creative Process 24:57 The Role of Synesthesia in Music and Quilting 27:22 Encouraging New Creatives 32:26 Current Projects and Future Plans 34:16 Creative Spaces and Aspirations 35:52 Final Thoughts and Farewell Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

    39 min

  2. 10/30/2025

    Culinary Creativity with Chef Lucas Trahan

    Share your thoughts & suggestions! In this episode of Creative Crossroads, host Alan introduces esteemed chef Lucas Trahan, the chef de cuisine at Ever, a Michelin-star restaurant. Lucas shares his journey from a young boy cracking eggs with his mom to becoming a rising star pastry chef in 2021. He reflects on the pressures of high standards set by his family and mentors and how these experiences shaped his approach to creativity and excellence in the kitchen. Lucas discusses the importance of authenticity in his culinary creations and the balance between maintaining high standards and fostering a positive, respectful kitchen environment. He also delves into his creative process, which involves setting parameters and iterating on ideas until they fit his vision. Lucas emphasizes that creativity often stems from simple, humble beginnings and is refined through practice and dedication. The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion on the flavor of creativity and a reflection on Lucas's personal and professional growth. Find Luke on Instagram Ever Restaurant in NY 00:00 Introduction to Lucas Trahan 00:46 Lucas's Early Inspirations 02:52 Finding Authenticity in Cooking 03:49 Working with Chef Duffy 07:07 Creative Process and Inspirations 11:59 Kitchen Dynamics and Leadership 18:33 Handling Creative Blocks 21:56 The Formula for Creativity 22:57 Balancing Creativity and Restraint 24:14 The Importance of Structure 25:14 Evaluating and Perfecting a Dish 28:17 Innovative Dishes and Cooperative Creativity 32:08 Evolving Creative Processes 33:13 Humility in Creativity 36:43 Advice to Younger Self 38:52 The Flavor of Creativity 39:50 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

    42 min

  3. 10/29/2025

    Exploring Personal Curriculums: Passion Projects and Creative Pursuits

    Share your thoughts & suggestions! In this episode of Creative Crossroads, hosts Catherine and Ellyn discuss their new personal curriculums and the subjects they are passionate about learning. Ellyn  delves into her fascination with Frank Lloyd Wright, sharing insights from her visit to his winter camp in Arizona and the new Magnolia Network show, 'The Last Wright.' She also talks about collecting books on Wright's architecture. Catherine, on the other hand, is focused on updating her sexuality course, with a particular emphasis on the topic of consent. This work has led her to explore the evolution of societal concepts around creativity. Both emphasize the importance of personal creative projects and how they shape their artistic outputs. They also reflect on past experiences and how creativity has been a constant thread in their lives. The episode ends with a call to listeners to share their own learning journeys and personal curriculums. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic 00:27 Ellyn’s Fascination with Frank Lloyd Wright 01:17 Exploring Frank Lloyd Wright's Legacy 04:38 Catherine's Personal Curriculum on Creativity 08:07 The Evolution of Creativity and Personal Experiences 16:33 Art as a Personal and Political Outlet 21:08 Creative Projects and Future Plans 24:38 Conclusion and Viewer Engagement Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

    27 min

  4. 09/25/2025

    Exploring Creative Curiosity: A Conversation with Weaver Kathie Roig

    Share your thoughts & suggestions! In this episode of Creative Crossroads, hosts Ellen and Catherine welcome weaver and fiber artist Kathie Roig. Kathie shares her extensive journey of over 30 years in the field of weaving, exploring different studios and the evolution of her creative spaces. She discusses her process, from early days working in a small guest bedroom to operating large looms in various studios across different locations, and now working from her home studio. Kathie delves into her experiments with textile techniques, particularly warp painting and double weave methods. This inspiring conversation highlights Kathy's persistent curiosity, willingness to experiment, and the intrinsic joy she finds in the creative process. The episode is filled with valuable insights for anyone looking to explore their own creativity. 00:00 Introduction to Creative Crossroads 00:18 Meet Kathie Roig: Weaver and Fiber Artist 00:53 Kathie‘s Early Weaving Days 03:06 Evolution of Kathie‘a Studio Spaces 05:10 The Impact of Studio Environments on Creativity 06:57 Exploring Different Weaving Techniques 08:15 Community and Collaboration in Art 13:46 Transition to North Carolina 15:56 Weaving in Asheville and Beyond 20:09 Innovations in Weaving Techniques 29:14 Exploring the Art Process 29:22 Retirement and Time Management 29:49 Techniques and Tools 32:28 Starting a New Project 33:05 Inspiration and Experimentation 36:33 Teaching and Sharing Knowledge 37:46 Handling Creative Challenges 42:11 Retirement and Future Plans 46:52 Showcasing Art Pieces 53:55 Final Thoughts and Advice Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

    56 min

  5. 09/19/2025

    Creativity, Community, and Crossroads: Season Two is Here

    Share your thoughts & suggestions! Welcome to Season 2 of Creative Crossroads! In this episode, hosts Ellyn Zinsmeister and Catherine Dutton introduce exciting new changes, including the option to watch on YouTube. They provide a sneak peek into the season's diverse lineup, featuring quilters, visual artists, a Michelin-star chef, and a fiber artist. Ellyn and Catherine also share updates on their personal and creative lives, from quilt entries to participating in Fodder School, and more! Join them as they explore the expansive world of creativity and engage in enriching conversations. 00:00 Welcome to Creative Crossroads Season Two 00:51 Exciting New Guests and Topics 03:05 Meet Your Hosts: Catherine and Ellyn 06:35 Creative Projects and Personal Updates 08:08 Upcoming Events and Opportunities 13:19 Join Our Creative Community Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

    18 min

  6. 01/30/2025

    Season 1 Finale and Reflections

    Share your thoughts & suggestions! Creative Crossroads: Season 1 Finale and Reflections In the final episode of Season 1 of the Creative Crossroads podcast, hosts Catherine and Ellyn reflect on key learnings from their journey exploring creativity with various guests. They identify common themes such as the essential nature of creativity, the importance of the creative process over the final product, the role of community, managing creative blocks, balancing structure and spontaneity, and the evolution of creative practices. The conversation delves into individual episodes, highlighting insights from guests like Dusty, Amanda, Dori, Mel, Charles, and Amelia. Catherine and Ellyn also announce an exciting upcoming creative retreat, Remix and Stitch Lab, scheduled for September. This episode is packed with valuable reflections and sets the stage for a broader exploration of creativity in future seasons. 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Season 01:16 Identifying Key Themes in Creativity 03:56 The Importance of Process Over Product 06:06 The Role of Community in Creativity 10:15 Managing Creative Blocks 12:48 Balancing Structure and Spontaneity 15:14 Evolution of Creative Practices 20:26 Inspiration in Everyday Life 22:37 Deep Dive into Dusty's Interview 26:56 Exploring Amanda Dunbar's Creative Journey 28:17 The Butt Phase and Knowing When to Stop 29:03 Perfectionism vs. Completion 30:20 The Feedback Loop of Creativity 30:55 Meeting Dori: A Fun Conversation 31:34 The Essential Nature of Creativity 33:39 Transitioning from Dreaming Bear 35:55 Self-Judgment in Art 38:58 Mel Beach: The Importance of Play 43:07 Charles: The Analytical Creative 47:13 Amelia: Art Therapy and Personal Expression 52:33 Inspiring Creativity: Upcoming Retreat 54:30 Season Recap and Future Plans Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

    56 min

  7. 01/13/2025

    Amelia Knott on Digital Spaces, Therapy and Creativity

    Share your thoughts & suggestions! In this episode of Creative Crossroads, we welcome Amelia Knott, a registered psychotherapist and art therapist based in British Columbia. Amelia shares her rich journey from childhood art experiences to becoming a multifaceted professional encompassing art therapy, content creation, and authorship. Her first book, 'The Art of Thriving Online,' emphasizes navigating the digital space using creativity as a tool for well-being. Amelia discusses her creative process, the importance of focusing on the experience rather than the outcome, and how she incorporates unconventional materials into her work. She also elaborates on art therapy sessions, highlighting the intermodal shift and the importance of process over product. Amelia's insights examine balancing structure and spontaneity in personal and professional creative endeavors. Find Amelia: Her website: Art Therapy in Real Life On Instagram: @art_therapy_irl Amelia's Book: The Art of Thriving Online (Amelia's Book) 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:55 Amelia's Creative Journey 02:41 Family Influence and Early Art Experiences 04:32 Art Therapy and Professional Path 05:03 Creative Process and Evolution 11:39 Balancing Art and Therapy 14:25 Creative Space and Environment 17:33 Morning Pages and Overcoming Creative Blocks 22:40  of Structure and Community 23:58 Collaboration in Art and Life 26:31 Finding Inspiration Beyond Nature 30:00 The Role of Art Therapy 35:39 Navigating Creative Blocks 40:28 The Art of Thriving Online 44:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

    48 min

  8. 01/06/2025

    Charles Cameron: Innovation and Inspiration in Modern Quilting

    Share your thoughts & suggestions! In this episode of Creative Crossroads, we welcome Charles Cameron, a modern quilter and engineer based in North Carolina. Charles shares how he balances his analytical day job with his vibrant quilting practice. Cameron's quilts, featuring bright colors and modern designs, have been showcased at QuiltCon and have won awards, including the first-place ribbon for his Sudoku quilt in 2022. He talks about his creative process, which blends structure and spontaneity, and how his design wall and PowerPoint help him visualize and iterate on ideas. Charles also discusses the influences from his childhood, how collaboration in quilting bees has impacted his work and his use of unconventional tools like painter's tape. He reflects on the evolving nature of the modern quilt movement and how the quilting community continues to inspire him. Join us for an insightful conversation about creativity, collaboration, and the joy of quilting. Find Charles on Instagram: Charles@FeltLikeSweets 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Charles Cameron 01:30 Charles Cameron's Quilting Journey 04:17 Balancing Structure and Spontaneity in Quilting 06:54 The Bee Project and Creative Collaboration 17:18 Designing Quilts with PowerPoint 20:47 Quilting Beginnings and Early Inspirations 21:02 Creating Unique Quilts for My Daughters 23:10 Involving Family in Quilting 23:43 Sources of Inspiration 26:30 Handling Creative Blocks 27:17 Designing and Pivoting Projects 29:57 Personal Quilting Philosophy 31:17 Unconventional Tools and Techniques 32:52 Long-Term Projects and Iterations 35:13 The Modern Quilt Movement 40:00 Final Thoughts and Reflections Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

    43 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Welcome to Creative Crossroads, where creators share their stories and processes. Each episode features conversations with artists, designers, and makers about their work, inspiration, and creative journey. Join us to explore how ideas come to life and learn from creators who are shaping their fields. Creative Crossroads: Where makers meet, and ideas grow.

Information

  • Creator
    Catherine Dutton & Ellyn Zinsmeister
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Mod Maker Zone
  • Show Website
    Creative Crossroads

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